Heavy Equipment Operator - Dozer / Excavator / Grading

CMES Inc.; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CMES, Inc. is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate bulldozers and hydraulic excavators for earthwork, grading, and site development. The role focuses on achieving precise elevations and grades while collaborating with grading crews to meet project specs and safety standards.

The position requires outdoor work on active heavy civil construction sites in varied weather, with emphasis on equipment safety, readin g grading plans, and maintaining production schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience operating bulldozers and hydraulic excavators.
• Earthwork, grading, excavation, and site preparation.
• Ability to read grading plans and grade stakes.
• OSHA safety compliance for excavation and heavy equipment.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate bulldozers and hydraulic excavators to perform earthmoving, excavation, grading, and site preparation.
• Perform rough and finish grading according to plans and specifications.
• Read grade stakes and maintain elevations during construction.
• Coordinate with foremen and crews to meet production schedules.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and report issues.
• Follow safety procedures and company equipment standards.

Skills

Bulldozers

Excavators

Grading

Tools

Trimble GPS

Topcon GPS

Leica GPS

Job description

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy construction equipment to perform earthwork, grading, excavation, and site preparation activities.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to operate equipment accurately, maintain proper elevations and grades, and work effectively with grading crews to meet project specifications, production goals, and safety standards.

Primary Equipment

Bulldozers (Dozers) and Hydraulic Excavators

Primary Focus

Earthwork, Rough Grading, Finish Grading, Excavation, and Site Development

Essential Job Functions

1. Operate bulldozers and hydraulic excavators to perform earthmoving, excavation, grading, and site preparation activities.
2. Perform rough grading, finish grading, slope grading, and subgrade preparation according to construction plans and specifications.
3. Operate dozers to push, spread, level, and grade soil and other materials to required elevations.
4. Operate excavators for mass excavation, trenching, ditch construction, drainage installation, and material loading.
5. Utilize GPS machine control systems and grading technology to maintain accurate elevations and slopes.
6. Read and interpret grading plans, construction drawings, grade stakes, and site elevations.
7. Shoot grades and perform basic construction calculations to verify elevations, slopes, and grade requirements.
8. Identify soil conditions and classifications to support safe and efficient excavation and grading operations.
9. Coordinate with foremen, superintendents, grade checkers, and other equipment operators to maintain production schedules.
10. Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues.
11. Follow OSHA excavation requirements, jobsite safety procedures, and company equipment operating standards.
12. Assist with other heavy civil construction activities and equipment operations as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating bulldozers and/or hydraulic excavators in heavy civil construction.
• Experience in earthwork, grading, excavation, and site preparation.
• Knowledge of rough grading, finish grading, slope work, and elevation control.
• Ability to understand grading plans, grade stakes, and construction specifications.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations related to excavation and heavy equipment operations.
• Ability to perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, or similar dozers and excavators.
• Experience with GPS machine control systems such as Trimble, Topcon, or Leica.
• Experience on GDOT, roadway, highway, or large-scale site development projects.
• Ability to shoot grades and interpret civil construction drawings.
• Experience with motor graders, loaders, rollers, or other grading equipment is a plus.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Dozer and Excavator Proficiency
• Rough and Finish Grading
• Earthwork and Excavation
• GPS Machine Control
• Construction Plan Interpretation
• Safety Awareness
• Productivity and Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork and Communication

Work Environment

This position requires working outdoors on active heavy civil and highway construction sites in varying weather conditions. Employees will regularly work around heavy machinery, moving equipment, uneven terrain, dust, noise, and vibration.

All employees must follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely climb into and out of heavy equipment.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating dozers and excavators.
• Ability to use hand and foot controls for prolonged periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb as required.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds as required, with assistance or mechanical aids when appropriate.
• Adequate vision, depth perception, and coordination to safely operate heavy equipment.

Join the CMES Team

At CMES, Inc., we are looking for dependable, safety-conscious, and skilled Heavy Equipment Operators who take pride in their work.

CMES, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.